The NACC Committee led a delegation to the Department of Lands, highlighting plans to upgrade digital services while pushing to curb foreign nominee land grabbing in Phuket.
On 21 Jul 2024 GMT+7, Mr. Asaphol Sontraiphop, Member of Parliament for Sisaket Province representing the Bhumjaithai Party and Chairman of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Committee in the House of Representatives, led a delegation to study operations at the Department of Lands in the Ratchaprasanaphakdi Building. Mr. Pornpot Penpas, Director-General of the Department of Lands, along with departmental officials, welcomed the group. Mr. Asaphol stated that today's visit is part of the committee's mission to familiarize themselves with the Department, exchange information, and lay the groundwork for cooperation between the legislature and the Department of Lands, which works closely with the public.
The NACC Committee Chairman added that during the meeting, several issues drew the committee’s attention, including measures to prevent land ownership by foreign nominees, systems to detect and prevent corruption among officials involved in land surveying and issuing land titles, progress on the integrated state land boundary mapping project (One Map), which still lacks attached maps despite prior approval, and concerns over the Land Allocation Act, which currently receives feedback from citizens and many legal entities about unclear operational guidelines. He expressed hope that the relationship initiated today will mark the start of ongoing cooperation between the two agencies in the future.
Mr. Asaphol said in an interview that the study visit and briefing at the Department of Lands were very well received. The Department is transitioning to digital systems to allow citizens to submit applications and access services online without having to visit land offices, a development that has been ongoing for several years with continuous improvements.
The NACC Committee Chairman noted that regarding land holdings by foreign legal entities (nominees), the issue of foreign land ownership in Phuket was raised for discussion. It was found that there are about 4,000 screened nominee entities considered at risk. A deeper investigation into these revealed that land rights revocations are necessary for over 300 cases, with more than 30 legal actions already taken. For the remaining cases involving entities with high registered capital, the Department of Lands has coordinated with the Board of Investment (BOI) to verify whether they have legitimately received BOI investment support. If not, the Department will revoke rights and pursue legal action accordingly.